Social Networking

Our office currently uses many different social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and YouTube.  It has gained a huge presence in our office since we brought on a Social Media Specialist a little over a year ago.  The funny thing is that it is all very secretive.  To stay competitive in higher education, we are thinking of new ways to incorporate social media, since that is where the students are at.  However, since many of it is so public and open for all to view, it also means that other schools can view what we are doing.  To keep a competitive edge, we can't share what we are currently working on.  I know it sounds very James Bond of me to say that, but it's the truth.  I can say that we have created many YouTube videos for the different programs on campus and have used them to promote some of the Preview Days that are specific for majors such as business.  We have also used Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to spread the word about different events such as Preview Days, campus tours, and other campus events.
Our Facebook account also has different pages. One page is dedicated to the Class of 2016.  Current seniors in high school can go onto this page and meet other students before they even get to campus.  Last year, we even saw students starting conversations and in the end deciding to be roomates or starting new organizations once school starts.  Another page has all of the names, pictures and contact information for the Admissions Counselors in our office.  It makes it easier for them to asks questions if they can find that information all on one spot rather than having to search us on the website. 
I can't say Social Networking has been my favorite thing in the past.  Privacy has always been very important and the main reason why I haven't used it in the past. Now I'm starting to see the real value it could play for me in my job.  I am currently working with our Social Media Specialist to create a page specific to me where I can keep people updated on our preview days and just stay connected with the students I meet with.